QBE Foundation — Catalysing Impact (Old Direct Application)
Description
Superseded by Catalysing Impact structured program. Stage 1 ($10K) secured Mar 2026. See new Stage 1 and Stage 2 entries.
Requirements Summary
Australian-incorporated social enterprises at any stage of development working on climate resilience or inclusion solutions are eligible. Applicants must be seeking investment or repayable debt between March-August 2026 and demonstrate investment readiness, traction, and growth appetite. The program offers up to AU$1 million in catalytic grants (typically AU$150,000-AU$400,000 per enterprise) plus AU$10,000 participation grants, tailored advisory support, and access to QBE employee volunteering. Applications for the 2026 cohort are now closed; details for future cohorts will be published on the Social Impact Hub website.
Eligibility Criteria
Enterprise must be Australian-incorporated
Must operate as a social enterprise seeking investment or repayable debt
Work must address climate resilience and/or inclusion issues
Must be seeking investment or repayable finance between March and August 2026, actively engaging with investors and debt-funders
Demonstrate readiness for growth and appetite for capability-building support
Eligible at startup, early-stage, or established stage
Assessment Criteria
Clear alignment with QBE Foundation's focus areas including climate resilience, disaster preparedness, net-zero solutions, financial inclusion, equity initiatives, and vulnerable community support
Credible articulation of theory of change and impact model demonstrating how the enterprise creates intended outcomes
Evidence of traction and realistic plan for growth demonstrating organisational progress and scalability
Demonstrated readiness to raise capital and engage with investors and debt-funders
Timeline
Applications are now officially closed for the 2026 cohort
Selected enterprises receive AU$10,000 participation grant, investment readiness diagnostic, tailored advisory and mentoring, peer learning, and guidance on funding strategy
Enterprises actively secure investment and repayable finance commitments
Enterprises with strong progress apply for catalytic grants (AU$150,000-AU$400,000) and opportunity to pitch at live crowdfunding event
Priority Cohorts
QBE Foundation funds initiatives supporting impact enterprises working on climate resilience and inclusion solutions through catalytic grants and capability-building support